The church has been organizing the meal for about 500 people since August, said Debbie West, another organizer.

Thursday’s preparations began at 6 a.m. Over the years, the church has come up with the perfect system to dish out full meals to a crowd.

About six turkey fryers in the church’s breezeway cranked out birds that were then carved at another station. Runners brought the turkey to the kitchen, where most of the sides were being cooked.

As volunteers came in with orders, an assembly line of lively volunteers cheered and did the wave before heaping turkey, sweet potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce and other sides onto the plates.

Tod Jacks comes to the dinner with his family so often that they have favorite dishes. Six year-old Mark Jacks is partial to the yams while 12-year-old Christian Jacks likes the pumpkin pie.

Alexious Romo, 17, is a vegetarian, so her favorites are the vegetables.

The church does a great job in putting together not just a meal, but a friendly, caring environment for people from all different walks of life, Tod Jacks said.

“They treat you all the same,” he noted.

Gregg and Jennifer Seaton thought volunteering would be good for their two children, 9-year-old Layla and 8-year-old Ryan. The highlight of their experience was when Layla told her father she understood why he wants her to clean her plate.

“I want them to realize they’re blessed,” Gregg said.

Veronica Perez and her family have volunteered for several years and have fun every time. It gives them a chance to meet different people.

“We get to give back but also enjoy our community,” Perez said.

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The church has been organizing the meal for about 500 people since August, said Debbie West, another organizer.

Thursday’s preparations began at 6 a.m. Over the years, the church has come up with the perfect system to dish out full meals to a crowd.

About six turkey fryers in the church’s breezeway cranked out birds that were then carved at another station. Runners brought the turkey to the kitchen, where most of the sides were being cooked.

As volunteers came in with orders, an assembly line of lively volunteers cheered and did the wave before heaping turkey, sweet potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce and other sides onto the plates.

Tod Jacks comes to the dinner with his family so often that they have favorite dishes. Six year-old Mark Jacks is partial to the yams while 12-year-old Christian Jacks likes the pumpkin pie.

Alexious Romo, 17, is a vegetarian, so her favorites are the vegetables.

The church does a great job in putting together not just a meal, but a friendly, caring environment for people from all different walks of life, Tod Jacks said.

“They treat you all the same,” he noted.

Gregg and Jennifer Seaton thought volunteering would be good for their two children, 9-year-old Layla and 8-year-old Ryan. The highlight of their experience was when Layla told her father she understood why he wants her to clean her plate.

“I want them to realize they’re blessed,” Gregg said.

Veronica Perez and her family have volunteered for several years and have fun every time. It gives them a chance to meet different people.